Author: Visit Mercer County

Mercer County, PA – The 10th Annual Greenville Heritage Days Festival runs from June 30-July 2, 2017. The three-day festival, sponsored by the Greenville Museum Alliance: The Waugh House, The Railroad Park Museum and the Canal Museum, showcases the rich history of the community. Visitors to the festival can participate in a 5K run, feast on festival fare, view classic automobiles, enjoy reenactments, listen to music, watch old-time artisans work their craft, visit the museums, and watch the fireworks.

Heritage Days kicks off Friday, June 30, with “Passport to Greenville.” Contestants complete activities at participating local businesses for a chance to win a grand prize basket. Passports are available the week of June 26 and can be picked up at Family Video & Greenville Public Library. This event is open to all ages. (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)

The Heritage Days 5K Run at 9 a.m. will start the Saturday festivities, followed by a car show, historical Civil War encampment, food/arts and craft vendors, trolley rides, kids’ zone, music and more.

Located in Western Pennsylvania, Mercer County PA is home to Grove City Premium Outlets, boutiques, and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for wine and brew tours, WaterFire Sharon, PA outdoor adventure, and outstanding golf. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County PA as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine at an array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast, or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland, and southern Ontario, Canada, Mercer County PA is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. Our County offers the perfect escape. For more information, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPa.net.

The Springfield Restaurant Group started with the purchase of a small, run-down bar that no longer received much patronage because the once bustling traffic on Rt. 19 was gone. In earlier years, this road had been in constant use as the Pittsburgh to Erie thruway. Residents of Victorian Mercer remember a time when traffic would be backed up for five miles with individuals and families from Pittsburgh traveling north to Pymatuning and Erie on Fridays and returning home on Sundays. With the construction of I-79 in the early 1960s, a new thruway from Pittsburgh to Erie was created and Rt. 19 became dotted with run-down and deserted properties.

Iron Bridge Inn in Mercer, PA

John McKinley and William Kingery believed there was potential to revive once-thriving businesses on Rt. 19. They believed that a restaurant with great atmosphere, great food, and a great location would again draw crowds to this corridor. So in 1979, the partners purchased the old, run-down bar and called it the Iron Bridge Inn after a historic iron bridge (1928-2014) located a few yards from the restaurant.

The success of this first venture was beyond their dreams. Within a few years, the Iron Bridge Inn drew thousands seeking the “best prime rib around” and other great dishes. On most days and especially weekends, the restaurant became packed with people at every table and every bar stool.

Rachel’s Roadhouse in Mercer, PA

After the Iron Bridge Inn became successful, William moved on to other interests, but John McKinley kept his focus on restaurants and in 1983 purchased another run-down property on Rt. 19; Dykek’s Place. Dykek’s Place was truly a roadhouse (facility built to service passing travelers). In the front of building was a sign advertising Duquesne Beer and a gas pump. Inside the building, a cloth drape separated a tiny kitchen from the seating area. John turned this property into one of the best hang-outs in this part of the country; Rachel’s Roadhouse. Local residents, college students, and visitors from a 100-mile radius come regularly to enjoy the atmosphere, food, and drink. There is often a line of people waiting to get in the door. Rachel’s Roadhouse soon became famous for their ribs and the Steelers games watched on the back patio.

Hickory Bar & Grille in Hermitage, PA

There’s never a quiet moment with the Springfield Restaurant Group. In 1998, the group rescued a local restaurant on Rt. 18 in Hermitage, PA. The owners of the former Unique Restaurant and Lounge decided to close this restaurant and approached the Springfield Restaurant Group to buy their property. The response was “yes” and the Hickory Bar & Grille opened in 1998. This restaurant included a culmination of all the more popular dishes from their other restaurants. It was also their biggest restaurant in size!

The Group maintains their original goal — to give customers the most enjoyable experience they have ever had at a restaurant. These restaurants in Mercer County, PA, y have grown into one of the County’s and Western Pennsylvania’s most-loved and prestigious businesses.

Mercer, PA – Two of the highest honors given by VisitMercerCountyPA, the tourist promotion agency for Mercer County, PA, are the Bill Knecht Tourism Award and the James E. Winner Jr. Tourism Initiative Award. For 2017, George Kraynak has been selected to receive the Bill Knecht Tourism Award and John and Robin Raskob, owners of Big Dog RC, will receive the James E. Winner Jr. Tourism Initiative Award. These awards will be presented at the agency’s annual dinner on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Irons Mill Farmstead in New Wilmington, PA.

VisitMercerCountyPA is proud to present the 2017 Bill Knecht Tourism Award to George Kraynak for his outstanding contributions to tourism. Several decades ago, there was a new marketing alliance in Mercer County. This alliance included Jim Winner, Bill Knecht, Pete Daffin, George Kraynak, and later, Harry Jubelirer. They became known as the Five Friends.

They realized that if they joined forces and pooled their money, they could initiate a massive television campaign throughout a larger market radius to promote Mercer County. As the founding fathers of the tourism bureau, it was their successful early efforts that spread the message beyond their borders to Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Erie.

Bill Knecht Tourism Award

As a tourism destination, Mercer County, PA has remained viable and strong, in no small measure due to George Kraynak. Kraynak’s, established in 1949, is itself a destination, with three distinct divisions, which house and sell products at both retail and wholesale. People come from far and wide to visit Kraynak’s Santa’s Christmasland and the Easter Bunny Lane. From September through December, Santa’s Christmasland draws approximately 3,000 visitors each week. Easter Bunny Lane runs from February through the week after Easter and also attracts visitors from throughout a tri-state region and Canada.

George Kraynak’s businesses have grown many times over and reflect his vision of leadership, the fullness of his heart, and the strength of his mind. His is a family-owned business that promotes fair pricing, quality products, and full-service. George has been a leader in tourism for many years and has been passionate in promoting and putting Mercer County on the map.

James E. Winner Jr. Tourism Initiative Award

The recipient of the James E. Winner Jr. Tourism Initiative Award for 2017 is Big Dog RC. This award pays tribute to tourism-related businesses in Mercer County, PA that are proactive and idea driven. These businesses don’t simply seize opportunities as they arise, they create them. They rise to the challenges facing them and emerge stronger and more resilient. The James E. Winner Jr. Tourism Initiative Award honors the spirit of entrepreneurship that make these businesses successful.

Big Dog RC, under the leadership of John and Robin Raskob, have demonstrated that they are proactive, idea-driven and ready to take on a challenge. Big Dog RC, in Stoneboro, PA, is celebrating its seventh year in business as one of the premier RC Racing facilities in the country.

“There are many indoor RC race tracks around the country,” said John Raskob, who owns the business with his wife Robin. “However, only Big Dog RC offers an indoor dirt oval and off-road track, carpet oval and on-road track, truck and tractor pull track, outdoor tracks, full hobby shop, pit areas and snack bar, all in one place!”

Every week, year-round, the business averages over 200 racer entries from four states. They run Four Points Series events every year, with trophies for all participants. There are also special events every quarter for drivers. Last year, Big Dog RC awarded over 1,000 trophies in 20 different classes of racing. RC racing has National Championships, World Championships and factory paid drivers that make a living driving RC Cars.

“We have drivers as young as five, all the way up to people in their 70s that race, so it’s definitely a life-long hobby,” said John. There are families where mom, dad, brother and sister all have cars. Big Dog RC is more of an attraction and entertainment than a hobby shop with a racetrack. When people stop in they are amazed at how popular RC racing is. Year-round, especially in the winter, it can be “standing room only” on Saturdays during racing,” he said.

It’s not bad for a business that just started seven years ago. For their resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit, VisitMercerCountyPA is proud to present the James E. Winner Jr. Tourism Initiative Award to Big Dog RC.

This annual dinner includes a popular auction with a stunning array of items and gifts that will be auctioned off, including travel, art, jewelry, overnight stays, golf, and more. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Bill Knecht Tourism Scholarship. Those looking for a great deal won’t want to miss this auction.

For more information on the annual dinner, call 724-346-3771. Entertainment will be provided by “Voices” featuring Rudy Zetz, Janet Falotico, and Sharon Grey.

The 27th Annual Grove City Strawberry Days will be held Friday, June 9, through Sunday, June 11 at the Grove City Memorial Park, 58 West, West Main Street, Grove City, PA 16127. The three-day festival is loaded with crafters, live entertainment, a smorgasbord of food, and a wide assortment of kids’ activities at the Shortcake Patch.

Grove City Strawberry Days offers free admission and parking and is handicap accessible. For show days and times, and for the entertainment and Shortcake Patch activities for children, visit the Strawberry Days Facebook page.

ALL DAY Christine’s Sand Art
ALL DAY Caricatures by Brian
ALL DAY Alpaca Petting Area
ALL DAY Springfield Twp. Fire Truck
ALL DAY King’s Family Restaurant Give-a-way
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Smokey the Bear
Noon Ronald McDonald
PM Eat’n Park Smiley and his Cookie Cruiser
1-7 p.m. Dragonfly Balloons
3 p.m. Wild World of Animals Show

Sunday, June 11
ALL DAY Christine’s Sand Art
ALL DAY Caricatures by Brian
ALL DAY Alpaca Petting Area
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dragonfly Balloons

Warm temperatures and sunny skies offer the perfect time to enjoy an adventure on Hell’s Hollow Wildlife Adventure Trail in Mercer County, PA. The four-mile trek through hills and valleys offers fascinating historical, environmental, and wildlife sights. The trail is situated among 100 acres of scenic forest. One different aspect of the tour is that you can choose to explore the trail on a trail buggy instead of walking or biking. Sights to enjoy along the trail include a cascading waterfall (Spirit Falls), beaver dams, deer, wild turkeys, eagles, a swamp, Indian hunting grounds, and historic buildings such as remnants of an iron ore furnace and a stone house and barn built in 1824.

My choice for exploring the trail was a trail buggy. I received a brochure that gave details on the historical and environmental significance of each stop. The paths and stops were clearly marked. One of the first things I noticed about the trail was the peace and tranquility. As my trail buggy wound up and down hills, I was struck by the beauty of the forest. The trees were of many types, tall and thick, providing a canopy of shade.

My first stop was at “Spirit Falls,” a cascading waterfall which is rumored to be the place where the spirit of an Indian named “Harthegig” lingers. Many reports have been received that people visiting the area hear moans, groans, laughter, and screams coming from the falls. On my visit, I didn’t hear groans or laughter, but I enjoyed standing on the ledge looking out at the falling water with the wind against my face and the sounds of nature in the background. It was the perfect scene for taking pictures.

As I traveled the trail I saw the remains of a beaver dam at Lackawonnock Lake, which is a bog lake created from glaciers. The Iron Ore Furnace was another interesting landmark. In addition to the furnace, this stop showcased the remnants of an old stone bridge.

Along the trail were berry patches, ferns, and incredibly, a swamp. Later I climbed a lookout tower which gave a fantastic view of the entire area. My final stop was the barn at Hell’s Hollow Farm. On display were vintage implements dating back to the 1800s.

Mercer County, PA – On Saturday, May 27, 2017, 500 American Flags will be raised throughout the borough of Mercer in preparation for the 15th Annual Mercer Memorial Day 500. The Mercer Memorial Day 500, honoring American Veterans, will be celebrated on Monday, May 29, 2017, from 8:30 a. m. to 1 p.m.

At 8:30 a.m., the celebration will start with the Mercer Memorial Day 500 Freedom Fun Run 5K. Various activities around the Courthouse Square will include the opening ceremony and reception honoring the veterans, a military expo, a prayer service at the old Mercer Graveyard, the music of Brett Allen Morgan, and an impressive parade that culminates in saluting the veterans at the Mercer Citizens Cemetery, three blocks south of the Courthouse on S. Pitt Street.

Located in Western Pennsylvania, Mercer County, PA is home to Grove City Premium Outlets, boutiques, and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for wine and brew tours, WaterFire Sharon, PA outdoor adventure, and outstanding golf. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County, PA as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine at an array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast, or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland, and southern Ontario, Canada, Mercer County, PA is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. Our County offers the perfect escape. For more information, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPa.net.

Mercer County, PA – The Small Ships Revue, hosted by Quaker Steak & Lube, is an “anything-that-floats” event held on the Shenango River in downtown Sharon. Participants design, build , launch, captain, and crew their floating contraptions down the river. The Revue will be on Friday, June, 23, 2017 at 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in various categories following the float at the Sugar Shack in the Quaker Steak & Lube parking lot.

Additional events that day include the Small “Shops” Revue and the Lucky Ducky Race. Starting at 10 a.m., the merchants of the Greater Sharon Associates will be hosting the Small “Shops” Review in honor of the Small Ships Revue. Visitors can enjoy sidewalk sales and special offers from businesses. Tickets will be on sale for the Lucky Ducky Race, and one ticket buys one rubber ducky. All rubber ducks will be dropped into the Shenango River and race to the finish line, and one lucky winner whose duck is the fastest will win a cash prize.

These family-friendly events will have a food and festival atmosphere in Mercer County, PA.

Mercer County, PA is an ideal playground for diverse outdoor activities. On land, water or air, visitors will delight in the beauty of the region’s wonderful outdoors. There is something special about outdoor activities that develop closer connections, makes getting healthy fun, and leads to an adventure you will long remember.

VisitMercerCountyPA has identified key hiking, biking and water trails that you will love. Take a friend or your family and hike or bike the 12-mile scenic multi-use paved trail that loops around Lake Wilhelm at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. There is a lot of nature to view from this trail, so don’t be surprised to see bald eagles, ospreys or trumpeter swans. Other animals that inhabit the lake are beavers and river otters.

Have you ever explored a trail on buggy? Well, you can do just that at Hell’s Hollow Wildlife Adventure Trail in Mercer (724-662-1999). Rent a trail buggy or hike and explore miles of historical, environmental, and wildlife trails. See beaver dams, deer, and wild turkey, and you can even try bird watching. Explore waterfalls and one of Mercer County’s first iron ore furnaces. See Hell’s Hollow Farm with an old stone house that was built in 1824 and wander through acres of historic Indian hunting grounds.

There are numerous smaller trails for your enjoyment including Trout Island Trail in Sharpsville and self-guided nature trails managed by Shenango River Lake.

Scouts, organized groups, families and friends can enjoy paddling down the 23-mile Water Trail on the Shenango River. With numerous launch sites, you can travel 1, 4, 8, 12 or the entire 23-mile trail. Carried Away Recreation (724-343-1313) has a fleet of kayaks and canoes for rent to enjoy local waterways & lakes. They also offer bicycle rentals.

For high-power boating, launch your vessel at the Shenango River Lake for an excitement-filled day of water skiing and tubing. Areas are also designated for 10 horsepower motors and minimum wake operations.

For the really adventurous, Skydive Pennsylvania in Mercer County PA offers skydiving taught by experienced, professional instructors. Skydive Pennsylvania is a USPA-affiliated full-time commercial skydiving school located across from Grove City Premium Outlets.

Contact VisitMercerCountyPA at 724-346-3771 to order your 2017 Outdoor Guide or visit us on line at www.VisitMercerCountyPA.com. Mercer County, PA … we have outdoor excitement covered.

Mercer County, PA – A wonderful family event, the National Button Accordion Festival, is coming to Mercer County, PA, for the 2017 Memorial Day Weekend of May 26, 27 and 28, 2017. The festival host is the Apollo Maennerchor Club on 291 South Dock Street in downtown Sharon, PA. Visitors can grab their accordion and dancing shoes, and head to the Apollo Maennerchor Club for Pennsylvania’s most unusual music festival.

Featured instruments for the eleventh year of the festival include the diatonic button accordion and the piano accordion. Many music genres will be showcased that guests can dance to, including Polkas, Waltzes, Country, Boogie Woogie, Texas Two-Step, Jitter Bug, Fox-Trot and Latin beats.

The National Holiday, Memorial Day, will be celebrated with a special program on Sunday, May 28 at 12:30 p.m. Veterans of all the military service branches will be recognized and honored. The ceremony will be followed by an accordion concert.

Food prepared in the Club kitchen will be available and served in the dining room. Festival T-shirts and CDs by performing artists will be available to purchase, and guests can peruse an accordion swap/shop table.

The Festival hours are Friday, May 26, 5 – 10 p.m.; Saturday, May 27, noon – 10 p.m.; and Sunday, May 28, 12:30 – 9 p.m., when the Grand Jam takes place. Admission is $10 on Friday and $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend passes are $25, and children under 13 are admitted free.

Located in Western Pennsylvania, Mercer County PA is home to Grove City Premium Outlets, boutiques, and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for wine and brew tours, WaterFire Sharon, PA outdoor adventure, and outstanding golf. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County PA as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine at an array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast, or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland, and southern Ontario, Canada, Mercer County PA is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. Our County offers the perfect escape. For more information, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPa.net.

Mercer County, PA – This April, visitors to Mercer County, PA can visit two chocolate factory shops for a tour and delicious sweet samples. There will be something for every member of the family, from children to grandparents, to enjoy.

FACTORY TOUR AT PHILADELPHIA CANDIES

Visitors are invited to tour the factory and experience chocolates being made at the 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility on April 1, 2017. Both adults and children are certain to be delighted by the chocolate-making process. All patrons receive a complimentary sample from the Easter Bunny. Guests can register to win one of three prizes. No purchase is necessary; winners will be selected on April 2, 2017, and will be notified by phone or e-mail.

Kids will enjoy the costumed characters, including the Easter Bunny and friends, and visitors are welcome to take a picture with a favorite character. The tour lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and then visitors can shop the 3,000 square foot retail specialty shop immediately afterward to enjoy tour day specials on Easter chocolates and more.

Swizzle Stick Day is a fun family activity and open house created by Mr. Daffin that takes place the Sunday before Palm Sunday, on April 2, 2017, at the Daffin’s Candy Factory in Farrell. There will be free candy samples and bunny ears. Guests are invited to tour the factory and see how chocolate is made. Patrons get a free sample of a swizzle stick dipped in a fresh candy filling coated with creamy milk chocolate. They can view the family of solid chocolate rabbits and be amazed by the 700-pound chocolate bunny.

Located in Western Pennsylvania, Mercer County PA is home to Grove City Premium Outlets, boutiques, and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for wine and brew tours, WaterFire Sharon, PA outdoor adventure, and outstanding golf. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County PA as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine at an array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast, or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland, and southern Ontario, Canada, Mercer County PA is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. Our County offers the perfect escape. For more information, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPa.net.